Sheffield Tigers 14 Wharfedale 8

WHARFEDALE produced a very disappointing display as they suffered another away defeat against their fellow National Two North strugglers.

Unlike the games at Hinckley and South Leicester which they lost by a single point, this was not a case of playing well and being unlucky to lose.

This was more reminiscent of Dale's displays back in October. Mistake followed mistake, Dale could not build through the phases, there was no fluency in their play and they could not sustain any pressure.

Wharfedale started well but Sheffield were then handed possession in Dale's 22. Three phases later they created space on the right and after good running from full back Peter Swatkins, winger James Broadley crossed for an unconverted try.

With Dale squandering possession and territory Tigers added three penalties through the boot of Mark Ireland and went in at half-time leading 14-0.

Wharfedale did play a little better in the second half and opened their account with a good unconverted try from Harry Bullough.

Any momentum was immediately lost when the Tigers' restart was dropped in Dale's 22.

The visitors did scramble a valuable point with a Tom Barrett drop goal and, with Scunthorpe losing at Otley, that point lifts them one place in the scramble against relegation.